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Your Trusted Podiatrists in Fort Collins, CO
At A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center, we specialize in comprehensive foot and ankle care, combining advanced medical expertise with personalized treatment plans. Our team of dedicated podiatrists brings decades of collective experience in diagnosing and treating conditions ranging from sports injuries to chronic nerve disorders. We prioritize conservative care whenever possible, utilizing cutting-edge technologies like VeriFixx implants for hammertoe correction and FDA-approved laser treatments for toenail fungus. With in-house X-ray services and custom orthotic solutions, we ensure efficient, accurate diagnoses and tailored interventions.Our three convenient locations in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Cheyenne serve patients of all ages, from infants with congenital deformities to seniors maintaining foot health. We emphasize preventive care through gait analysis, shoe balancing, and patient education, while maintaining surgical expertise for complex cases. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our patient-centered approach, focusing on long-term foot functionality and pain relief through evidence-based practices.
Services
Foot surgery
Orthotics
Laser treatment
X-rays
Peripheral neuropathy
Sports injury
Senior foot care
Bunion correction
Plantar fasciitis
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ combined years of podiatric expertise across three convenient locations
- Our practice utilizes FDA-cleared VeriFixx implants for minimally invasive hammertoe correction
- In-house X-ray services provide immediate diagnostic capabilities for faster treatment
- Custom functional orthotics designed specifically for individual gait and activity needs
- Comprehensive senior foot care programs addressing age-related mobility challenges
Services
Foot surgery
Our board-certified surgeons perform advanced foot and ankle procedures using minimally invasive techniques. We specialize in hammertoe correction with VeriFixx implants, bunion removal, and nerve tumor excisions. Conservative treatments are always explored first, with surgery recommended only when necessary. All procedures follow strict post-operative care protocols to ensure optimal recovery.
Functional orthotics
We create personalized arch supports and shoe inserts through comprehensive gait analysis. These devices correct biomechanical imbalances, alleviate pressure points, and enhance athletic performance. Our orthotics address conditions ranging from plantar fasciitis to chronic knee pain caused by improper foot alignment.
Laser treatment
FDA-approved laser therapy targets fungal infections beneath toenails without medication side effects. This non-invasive procedure typically requires 3-4 sessions for complete clearance. We combine laser treatment with preventive care education to minimize recurrence risk.
Peripheral neuropathy
Our clinic offers specialized care for nerve damage symptoms including numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Treatment plans combine laser therapy, custom footwear, and medication management to improve circulation and nerve function while preventing complications.
Senior foot care
We provide comprehensive foot health maintenance for older adults, addressing age-related changes like decreased circulation and nerve sensitivity. Services include regular nail trimming, callus management, and fall prevention strategies through gait analysis and footwear recommendations.
People
Dr. Robert Schulte
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Dr. Schulte specializes in minimally invasive foot surgery with over 15 years of experience in podiatric care. He pioneered VeriFixx implant adoption in Northern Colorado and focuses on rapid-recovery techniques for hammertoe and bunion corrections.
Questions
What foot conditions do you treat?
We treat all foot and ankle conditions including sports injuries, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, toenail fungus, peripheral neuropathy, and pediatric deformities.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes, we reserve time slots for urgent cases like acute injuries and infections. Call our Fort Collins office directly at (970) 343-4217 for immediate scheduling.
Are X-rays performed onsite?
Yes, all locations have digital X-ray equipment for immediate diagnostic imaging of fractures, bone spurs, and structural abnormalities.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. Contact your specific provider to confirm coverage details before your appointment.
What surgical options exist for hammertoe?
We offer traditional surgery and minimally invasive VeriFixx implant procedures. The FDA-cleared implant system reduces recovery time and eliminates external fixation hardware.
How do orthotics help foot pain?
Custom orthotics correct biomechanical imbalances by redistributing pressure and supporting proper foot alignment. This reduces strain on muscles, tendons, and joints during daily activities.
